Build thread - 1985 Mustang Saleen (clone?)

[erratic50]

Lexan is a neat idea. Not for this build though.

[dagenham]

C'mon. You're already halfway done.

[erratic50]

Something to consider for my 1986GT when I eventually get around to building it..

[wraithracing]

Something to consider for my 1986GT when I eventually get around to building it..

Sorry I only know how to use Lexan for stock glass replacement in Race Car applications!

[erratic50]

Lol. Done considering.

My 1986 build is going to be a factory style sunroof..... Donor car will get the top cut off.

Looking at a T56 kit for my 86. The ad is on Facebook and it’s only 2.5 hours away. The problem is they claim it’s ready to rock, but don’t have any documentation of the rebuild, etc. If I had a nickel for every time somebody tries to screw someone else both cars would be done.

[erratic50]

If a 3 piece front facia gets fitted in Austin and no pics get posted does it still look good?

The world may never know.

[wraithracing]

If a 3 piece front facia gets fitted in Austin and no pics get posted does it still look good?

The world may never know.

I didn't think the owner was really posting pictures of the progress. I thought it was all supposed to be a surprise!

[erratic50]

it was!

But it looks awesome!

[dagenham]

Is that a Saleen air dam or is it just something close? If it is the real thing, where did you get it? I would love to have the right front for mine instead of a 86 air dam.

[erratic50]

The ol made of unobtanium early Saleen stuff is awesome isn't it?! Its the only one I've been able to track down. I spent a long while looking and cast a very wide net. There MIGHT be some others out there, but I doubt it.

Most of the 84-early 86 Saleens still around were either driven carefully or don't have their original facia. There are some out there yet, but many -- especially the glass ones -- are long gone. Most of the replacement parts are long ago consumed too. We usually see 85's wearing the face of a later 86 to the dance these days but not always.

No horsing around when building a car that's a tribute (which is very different from a clone) This build tips its hat to the guys that made them happen back in the day. We fully appreciate how hard it was to do because we're going to most of the same processes to get it there.

I can hardly wait to see this never built before 1E Silver Saleen (tribute) wearing her Silver paint and mesh shoes.


Looking over the parts list she will be a sleeper if ever there were such a thing for a "Saleen".

I guess that's about like talking about a slow rocket isn't it. Lol.

[onetrackrider]

Looking good, Trey does some nice work.

[erratic50]

Yes he does! It won’t be long until it’s ready for paint. Tons left before it’s a car again, but the project is moving forward.

[Davedacarpainter]

I didn't think the owner was really posting pictures of the progress. I thought it was all supposed to be a surprise!

Hey Trey, I saw that brown mustang over to the side, did you finish it? Post a picture on your thread if you did, i really like that brown.

[wraithracing]

Hey Trey, I saw that brown mustang over to the side, did you finish it? Post a picture on your thread if you did, i really like that brown.

No it's not finished yet. The owner decided after we painted it that he wanted to put a new floor in the car. So we did that! He finally got me all the front suspension parts (he has gone from a very nice local car show build to almost full on concourse restoration) after looking for NOS stuff for months! Once I get the suspension back on the car as well as the engine and trans installed then we will hang the doors and front sheetmetal. Then the car gets another 2 coats of color as I wasn't happy with a couple of spots when I sprayed it the first time. Then we will finish assembly and deliver the car. I will post up some pictures in my Capri thread as I actually got some work done it yesterday after pulling the dash and wiring out of James' car. Sorry for the hijack!

[brianj]

Could you kinda sneakily pull some molds off of those nose pieces? Huh? Pretty please?

[erratic50]

This build is supposed to be low stress and a bit of fun for Trey. My very high mileage 8.8 that’s getting rebuilt and put in the Saleen has other ideas. So typical....

I “might” have had the rear tires spinning one wheel wonder style in 3 with my foot on the floor on ice a few times after the traction lok went out. Might. Lol. Poor spider gears.

[dagenham]

This build is supposed to be low stress and a bit of fun for Trey. My very high mileage 8.8 that’s getting rebuilt and put in the Saleen has other ideas. So typical....

I “might” have had the rear tires spinning one wheel wonder style in 3 with my foot on the floor on ice a few times after the traction lok went out. Might. Lol. Poor spider gears.

Dont flatter yourself�� I had the same problem with a lowly 4cyl 5speed.

[dagenham]

Could you kinda sneakily pull some molds off of those nose pieces? Huh? Pretty please?

X2 pretty please

[erratic50]

You’ve missed the point of the statement. On ice about 20HP would have spun like that. Sometimes it’s that or chains or a comealong. But the RPM seen by the spider gears in that screnario and the speed of the one wheel spinning is pretty out far out there.

These cars have so many parts that survive somehow. Parts in an 8.8 that’s seen dragstrip duty and 380K miles of steady abuse look worn and battle scarred but went the distance, endured the treatment, and held together.

[erratic50]

Trey - if you have any pics of the ol 8.8 I look forward to seeing them. I’ll see if I have any from when I pulled it from “Trigger”. (My worn out old 86GT)

[erratic50]

BrianJ pm sent

[wraithracing]

Here are a couple of pictures of the 8.8 in it's current condition. We are supposed to get rain over the next couple of days, but once that clears we will get the axle blasted, primed, and in color.

[wraithracing]

Here are pictures of the interior and engine bay after stripping out the dash and all the wiring.





And the mess of wiring that needs to be repaired and cleaned up before going back in.

[erratic50]

If I’m seeing it correctly it looks like ideally there is one more new harness needed - or at least nab a better one from a donor.....

This Saleen build 85GT roller SO could have became the clone to what my 86GT was back in the 90’s. Only thing is it would only be over the top cool to it’s owner then. The build going in a Saleen direction appeals to a much broader audience.

Almost strange that I’m doing a build in this direction considering I generally always stay with projects to the very end and don’t get distracted. Usually I never ever do anything of the sort, but friends can attest that I’ve always wanted an 85 Saleen. The 85 Saleen does meet my approval first and foremost and is a great car to enjoy while working on the 86. My 1986GT is going to be a pretty intense build. Very few would even consider venturing to save it.

[erratic50]

Sure hope my 8.8 girdle cover clears the MM panhard in the end.